United States District Judge William Stiehl has appointed East Alton attorney Daniel R. Schattnik to represent Gary Peel in his argument that three appointed federal public defenders have been ineffective in his defense.

Peel was found guilty on four counts of obstruction of justice, bankruptcy fraud and possession of child pornography by a federal jury in East St. Louis on March 23.

He was prosecuted for blackmailing his ex-wife Deborah Peel with nude photos taken of her 16-year-old sister in 1974. He faces up to 40 years in prison plus fines up to $250,000.

According to Stiehl's Oct. 9 order, Schattnik will make $94 an hour while representing Peel.

Peel's sentencing was delayed for the third time on Oct 1, after Peel asked Stiehl to appoint him a lawyer because he felt his court appointed attorneys were ineffective.

He was represented by Chief Federal Public Defender Phillip Kavanaugh, Stephen Williams and Dan Cronin.